Preply - Detailed Review
Self Improvement Tools
Preply - Product Overview
Overview of Preply
Preply is an innovative online language learning platform that connects learners with a vast array of tutors from around the globe. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features.Primary Function
Preply’s main purpose is to facilitate personalized language learning through one-on-one online lessons. The platform matches learners with highly skilled tutors, focusing on conversational skills from the very first lesson, which is deemed the most effective way to see real progress in language learning.Target Audience
Preply caters to a diverse range of learners, including individuals preparing for career advancement, studying abroad, or relocating to a new country. The platform is particularly popular among young adults, with the largest age group of visitors being 25-34 years old. The audience is predominantly female, with 59.64% of users being women.Key Features
Tutor Selection and Lessons
Preply offers the world’s largest selection of language tutors, with over 32,000 tutors teaching more than 120 subjects. Learners can find their ideal tutor by specifying criteria such as native and second languages, nationality, availability, specialties, certification, and hourly rate. The platform allows for flexible scheduling, enabling learners to book regular lessons at times that suit them.AI-Powered Tools
Preply leverages AI and machine-based learning to enhance the learning experience. Key features include:- Lesson Insights: Provides summaries of lessons, feedback for students, speaking time, and main vocabulary discussed.
- TalkNow: An educational feature that allows students to practice speaking through 2-minute interactive conversations.
- Teaching Assistant: Helps tutors save time by creating personalized lessons and generating relevant speaking topics.
Personalized Learning
The platform emphasizes personalized learning plans, which are customized based on the learner’s needs and goals. This approach helps learners stay motivated and committed to their learning goals through monthly subscription plans.Additional Resources
Preply offers a range of self-study exercises and courses, including grammar exercises, vocabulary practice, and corporate language training. The vocabulary feature uses spaced repetition to help learners remember new words more effectively.Flexibility and Payment
Tutors have the flexibility to set their own hourly rates and manage their schedules according to their preferences. The platform ensures a clear and reliable payment system, allowing tutors to withdraw their earnings at any time. Overall, Preply stands out as a comprehensive and flexible platform for language learning, combining the benefits of human tutoring with the efficiency of AI-powered tools. Preply - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Preply, particularly in its self-improvement tools and AI-driven features, is designed to be user-friendly and engaging.Getting Started and Search Features
When you first log in to Preply, you are presented with a straightforward interface that allows you to find a tutor based on various criteria such as language, price, country, availability, specialties, and whether the tutor is a native speaker. The platform also lets you search by name or keyword, which is a handy feature for finding a specific tutor.Lesson Management and Classroom
Preply has its own integrated classroom, which eliminates the need for external tools like Zoom or Skype. This classroom is easily accessible via a link provided in your lesson confirmation email, and you can seamlessly add it to your calendar. The classroom includes features like the Preply Whiteboard, which allows tutors and students to share images, draw, and present interactive content in real-time, making lessons more engaging and productive.AI-Driven Tools
Preply is integrating AI to support tutors in creating content such as exercises, grammar explanations, and conversation starters. This AI assistance helps tutors focus on higher-level teaching tasks, enhancing the overall learning experience. For example, AI can aid in generating homework and lesson plans, freeing up tutors to concentrate on more interactive and human-centric aspects of teaching.User Experience
The platform is structured to keep students motivated and committed to their learning goals. Students can set realistic, measurable goals and stick to them through recurring monthly subscriptions for weekly lessons. This approach helps maintain student engagement and motivation. Additionally, Preply’s vocabulary feature uses spaced repetition to help students practice new words effectively, keeping their language skills fresh.Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Preply places a strong emphasis on gathering and acting on user feedback. Using tools like Userfeed, they ensure that feedback from both students and tutors is continuously tracked and addressed. This proactive approach helps in identifying and resolving issues promptly, enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring that the platform remains responsive to user needs.Ease of Use
The interface is simple and intuitive. Features like the whiteboard and AI-driven content creation tools are easily accessible through the “Tools” menu in the classroom. The ability to save and review previous whiteboard sessions adds to the convenience and ease of use. Overall, Preply’s user interface is designed to be smooth and user-friendly, making it easy for both students and tutors to engage effectively.Conclusion
In summary, Preply’s user interface is designed with ease of use and engagement in mind, incorporating AI-driven tools and a comprehensive feedback system to ensure a positive and productive learning experience. Preply - Key Features and Functionality
Main Features of Preply
Lesson Insights
This feature provides a summary of the lesson, including feedback for the student, speaking time, and the main vocabulary discussed. This helps both tutors and learners track progress, prepare for future lessons, and review content. AI generates these insights, making it easier for tutors to focus on teaching rather than administrative tasks.TalkNow
TalkNow is an educational feature that allows students to practice speaking through 2-minute interactive conversations. AI supports this by enabling tutors to create speaking exercises efficiently, saving time and improving student progress. This feature helps students practice speaking anytime, anywhere, and tutors can provide feedback more effectively.Teaching Assistant
The teaching assistant tool uses AI to help tutors create personalized lessons. It generates exercises, grammar explanations, and conversation starters based on the student’s interests. This reduces the prep time for lessons, allowing tutors to focus on higher-level teaching tasks that require more human input.AI-Powered Content Creation
Preply is developing AI systems to aid tutors in content creation. Tutors can use AI to generate a variety of exercises, grammar explanations, and conversation starters during and between classes. This supports homework setting and lesson planning, freeing tutors to focus on more interactive and engaging teaching.Speaking Tracker
The speaking tracker tool analyzes speaking activity during the lesson and provides statistics. This motivates students to speak more, which is essential for language learning. Tutors can use this tool to show students their progress and reflect on how their speaking skills evolve over time.Whiteboard
The Preply Whiteboard is a dynamic, interactive tool within the Preply Classroom. It allows tutors and students to collaboratively engage with lesson materials in real time. Users can share images, draw, and present interactive content, making every lesson more engaging and personalized to the student’s learning needs.Preply Classroom
The Preply Classroom is a virtual classroom that includes various features to simplify lesson planning and delivery. It offers improved video and audio quality, faster loading times, and increased stability for smooth, uninterrupted lessons. Tutors and learners can communicate via video chat and Messenger, upload files, make notes, and share their screens without leaving the platform.Library
The Preply Library provides access to a rich collection of learning materials, including resources for diverse topics and skills, from conversation starters to exam prep. This library also includes flipped classroom content with self-study activities for students, all integrated within the Preply Classroom.Benefits of AI Integration
- Personalization: AI helps create personalized lessons and exercises based on the student’s interests and needs, making the learning experience more effective and engaging.
- Efficiency: AI tools like the teaching assistant and content creation features save tutors time, allowing them to focus on more interactive and high-value teaching tasks.
- Engagement: Features like TalkNow and the speaking tracker motivate students to practice speaking more, which is crucial for language learning.
- Progress Tracking: AI-generated lesson insights help both tutors and learners track progress and prepare for future lessons, ensuring continuous improvement.
Preply - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Preply
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of Preply, an AI-driven online tutoring platform, reveals both positive aspects and significant areas for improvement.
Positive Aspects
AI Integration
AI Integration: Preply is actively incorporating AI to support its tutors. This technology is intended to enhance content creation, such as generating exercises, grammar explanations, and conversation starters. This can help tutors focus on higher-level teaching tasks and improve the overall learning experience.
Flexibility and Accessibility
Flexibility and Accessibility: The platform offers flexibility for tutors to teach from anywhere in the world and for learners to access lessons from various tutors. It allows users to search for tutors based on several criteria, including language, price, country, availability, and specialties.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Commission and Trial Lessons
Commission and Trial Lessons: Preply has a significant commission structure, taking 33% of the tutor’s earnings for the initial lessons, which reduces to 18% after 400 hours of completed lessons. Additionally, tutors do not get paid for 60-minute trial lessons, which can be a financial burden.
Customer Service Issues
Customer Service Issues: There are numerous complaints about the poor customer service. Users have reported difficulties in resolving issues such as transferring lessons, getting refunds, and dealing with tutor unavailability. Many of these complaints remain unanswered.
Subscription and Refund Policies
Subscription and Refund Policies: The platform’s subscription model and refund policies have been criticized. Users have reported being unable to get refunds for unused lessons, even when tutors cancel or reschedule. The auto-confirmation feature can also lead to users being charged for lessons that did not occur.
Quality of Lesson Plans
Quality of Lesson Plans: Some tutors have noted that the quality of the lesson plans provided by Preply may be lacking, which can impact the effectiveness of the lessons.
Market Saturation
Market Saturation: With over 12,000 English tutors on the platform, it can be challenging for new tutors to stand out and secure full-time hours.
Student Complaints
Student Complaints: Students have expressed dissatisfaction with the new subscription pricing model and the overall value for money, especially considering the low rates offered by some tutors.
Accuracy and Engagement
While Preply aims to provide a personalized and efficient learning experience through AI, the accuracy and engagement can be compromised by the platform’s operational issues. For instance, the lack of clear policies and inconsistent customer service can lead to frustration and mistrust among both tutors and learners.
In summary, while Preply shows promise with its AI integration and flexibility, it needs significant improvements in customer service, refund policies, and the overall user experience to enhance its performance and accuracy in the self-improvement tools category.
Preply - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure
When considering the pricing structure and plans offered by Preply, here are the key points to note:Pricing Model
Preply operates on two main pricing models, although the newer subscription model is more prevalent for new users.Old Model (Block Hours)
In the older model, students could purchase hours in blocks of 5, 10, or 20 hours. This method allowed for minor discounts with larger purchases. However, this model is primarily available to existing users who have not been transitioned to the new subscription model.Subscription Model
The new subscription model allows students to choose how many lessons they want per week and pay a recurring monthly fee based on those hours. For example, if a tutor charges $15 per lesson and you want one lesson a week, you would pay $60 a month. Students can choose subscriptions ranging from 1 hour/week to 5 hours/week, with payments renewing every 28 days.Tutor Rates
Tutor rates on Preply vary widely, depending on the language, the tutor’s location, and their experience. Rates can range from $1 to $100 per hour. For instance, less common languages like Latin or Norwegian may cost upwards of $30 per hour, while more common languages like Spanish can be found for a few dollars per lesson.Free Trial Lesson
Preply offers a trial lesson, but it is not entirely free. The trial lesson is paid for by the student, but it serves as an opportunity to assess if the tutor is a good fit. If the student is not satisfied with the trial lesson, they can request a free tutor replacement or a refund.Additional Free Resources
Preply provides several free resources, including:- An extensive library of language learning materials such as grammar and vocabulary guides, listening and speaking exercises.
- A language exchange program that allows students to practice speaking and listening with native speakers.
- A community of language learners and native speakers for support and questions.
Referral Program
Preply also has a referral program where students can earn credits towards future lessons by referring friends and family. When a referred friend takes their first lesson, the referrer receives a credit that can be used for their own lessons.Conclusion
In summary, Preply’s pricing is flexible and dependent on the tutor’s rates and the student’s chosen subscription plan. While the trial lesson is not free, it is a valuable tool for finding the right tutor, and Preply offers various free resources to support language learning. Preply - Integration and Compatibility
Integrating with Other Tools
Preply has several key features that make it a versatile and user-friendly platform, particularly when it comes to integration and compatibility.Calendar Integration
Preply allows tutors to connect their Google Calendar, which helps in updating their availability automatically. To set this up, you simply need to go to the Google Calendar page on Preply, click “Connect Google Calendar,” enter your Google credentials, and select the calendars you want to see in your Preply Calendar. This integration ensures that your schedule is synchronized across both platforms, reducing the risk of overbookings.Preply Classroom
The Preply Classroom is a virtual classroom that integrates various tools for a seamless learning experience. It supports video chat, screen sharing, file uploading, and note-taking, all within the Preply platform. This means you don’t need to switch between different applications or share personal contact information. The classroom is accessible via desktop, phone, or tablet browsers, although using a desktop is recommended for the best experience with screen sharing and learning materials.Cross-Platform Compatibility
Preply Classroom can be accessed through multiple devices, including desktops, phones, and tablets. This flexibility ensures that both tutors and students can participate in lessons from any device with a compatible browser. The Preply app also allows for convenient access to the classroom during lesson times.AI Integration
Preply is leveraging AI to enhance the teaching experience. AI is being used to help tutors create exercises, grammar explanations, and conversation starters, which can be used during and between classes. This integration aims to make lesson planning more efficient and allow tutors to focus on higher-level teaching tasks.Identity Verification and Onboarding
Preply has automated its identity verification process using Persona, which helps in onboarding tutors more efficiently and accurately. This automation reduces manual errors and allows the Tutor Success team to focus on other strategic projects, improving the overall onboarding experience for tutors.Conclusion
In summary, Preply integrates well with Google Calendar for scheduling, offers a comprehensive virtual classroom experience across various devices, and utilizes AI to support tutors in their teaching tasks. These features ensure a smooth and efficient experience for both tutors and students. Preply - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Email Support
Users can contact Preply’s customer service team via email at support@preply.com. This is the primary method for addressing any queries, concerns, or issues related to the platform, lessons, or tutors.
Live Chat
Preply provides a 24/7 live chat option available on their website and mobile app. This feature allows users to get immediate help from support representatives at any time, accommodating different time zones. To access the live chat, users can click on the circle with the “?” mark at the bottom of the Preply site or go to the ‘Support center’ option in the app settings.
Additional Resources
Help Center
Preply has a comprehensive Help Center where users can find answers to frequently asked questions and detailed guides on how to use the platform. This includes instructions on reporting issues with lessons, managing lesson schedules, and other common queries.
Resource Center
Although not specifically focused on customer support, Preply’s Resource Center offers various educational resources and tools. These include guides on promoting sustainable wellness and learning habits, employee development plans, and training needs analysis templates. While these resources are more geared towards educational and professional development, they can still be beneficial for users looking to enhance their learning experience.
Reporting Issues
Users can report issues with lessons directly through the Preply Classroom. If an issue occurs during a lesson, users can leave the classroom early and report the problem, selecting the closest reason and providing additional comments. For lessons waiting for confirmation, users will see a prompt to either confirm the lesson or report an issue.
Platform Features
AI-Powered Tools
Preply incorporates AI-powered tools, such as an AI conversation coach, which helps users practice speaking and receive feedback. While these tools are part of the learning experience rather than direct customer support, they enhance the overall user experience and provide additional learning resources.
By leveraging these support options and resources, Preply ensures that users can address any issues promptly and effectively, enhancing their learning experience on the platform.
Preply - Pros and Cons
Pros of Preply
Personalized Learning
Preply offers highly personalized content with real-time feedback. Tutors assess your current skill level and prepare a specially-made lesson plan for you, which is particularly beneficial for language learning.
Flexible Scheduling
The platform allows you to search for tutors by availability, making it easy to structure your learning around your personal lifestyle. The calendar and scheduling system simplifies the process of booking lessons.
Variety of Tutors
With over 49,000 high-quality teachers, you can select from a huge pool of tutors and filter lessons by availability. This variety ensures you can find a tutor that fits your needs and schedule.
Free Resources
Preply provides a free blog and Q&A community that focus on pronunciation, culture, and revision advice. This community helps you solve any language-related queries quickly.
Convenient Payments
Tutors do not have to chase students for payment, as Preply charges students in advance and releases the earnings after each lesson. You can withdraw your money whenever you want.
Mobile and Desktop Access
You can learn anytime using both mobile and desktop options, making it convenient for on-the-go learning.
Cons of Preply
High Commission for Tutors
Preply takes 100% of the lesson fee for the first lesson with a new student, and there is a high commission structure until you gain more experience on the platform.
Customer Service Issues
Many users have reported poor customer service, including unresponsive support, misleading pages, and difficulties in getting refunds. This has led to significant dissatisfaction among both students and tutors.
Complex Pricing Structure
The pricing system can be confusing, especially with automatic renewal and the potential for unused hours to be written off. This lack of transparency can be frustrating for users.
Technical Issues
The website can sometimes be faulty, leading to issues such as lesson steps not loading correctly or profiles not updating properly. This can cause confusion and disrupt the learning process.
No Free Trial
Unlike some other platforms, Preply does not offer a free trial. While there are discounted trial lessons, you still have to pay for each lesson.
Bulk Purchase Requirement
Students cannot pay for one class at a time; they must bulk buy lessons, and teaching credits disappear after 12 months.
Security Concerns
There have been reports of tutors’ accounts being hacked, with scammers pretending to be students and scheduling classes without the tutor’s knowledge. This highlights a need for improved security measures.
Overall, while Preply offers several advantages in terms of personalized learning and flexible scheduling, it also faces significant challenges related to customer service, pricing transparency, and security.
Preply - Comparison with Competitors
Preply
Preply is a prominent platform for language learning, offering 1-on-1 lessons with native speakers. Here are some of its key features:- Structured Learning: Preply provides a wide range of structured resources, including vocabulary tools, listening, writing, and reading exercises, particularly for English and Spanish learners.
- Vocabulary Tools: The platform offers a Google Chrome extension called “Vocab by Preply” that uses Spaced Repetition software to help users learn vocabulary more effectively.
- Customizable Lessons: Users can choose the type of lesson they want, such as conversation classes or business lessons, to meet their specific learning goals.
- Large Tutor Base: Preply has a large base of tutors, making it easy to find a tutor that suits your budget and timetable.
AmazingTalker
AmazingTalker is another platform that offers 1-on-1 language lessons, but with some distinct differences:- Instant Tutoring: AmazingTalker features an “Instant Tutoring” option, allowing users to start a session with a professional tutor in just five minutes. This is ideal for those who want to test their conversation skills without prior preparation.
- Free or Cheap Trial Lessons: Some tutors on AmazingTalker offer free or very cheap trial lessons, which can be a great way to test the service.
- Flexible Resources: Tutors on AmazingTalker can create and share their own resources, though the quality can vary since the platform does not provide a centralized bank of resources.
TakeLessons
TakeLessons is a broader tutoring platform that offers both online and in-person tutoring for a wide range of subjects, not just languages:- Subject Variety: Unlike Preply, which focuses mainly on language learning, TakeLessons covers various subjects, including music, arts, and academic subjects.
- Customization and Guarantee: TakeLessons provides customization options and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. However, prices can vary depending on the subject, instructor, and location.
Skooli
Skooli is another online tutoring platform that offers services in over 100 subjects:- Subject Range: Skooli provides tutoring in a wide range of subjects, including homework help, test prep, and concept understanding for all age groups.
- Pricing Model: Skooli charges $0.82 per minute, making it a flexible and affordable option for users.
AI Life Coaching Apps
For those looking for more general self-improvement and personal development, AI life coaching apps are worth considering:Rocky.AI
Rocky.AI is an AI-powered personal development coach:- Daily Prompts and Goal Setting: It helps users improve through self-reflection and accountability with daily personal development prompts and goal-setting features.
- Mindfulness Training: Rocky.AI includes mindfulness training to encourage mental clarity and emotional balance.
TextMei
TextMei is a conversational AI app that provides emotional support and practical coaching:- Emotionally Intelligent Conversations: It responds to users’ moods with tailored guidance and offers habit tracking and AI journaling features.
- Daily Reminders: TextMei keeps users accountable with encouraging messages.
BetterUp
BetterUp is an AI-driven coaching platform focused on personal and professional development:- Global Network of Coaches: It offers personalized coaching experiences through a network of over 4,000 certified coaches, focusing on leadership, productivity, well-being, and resilience.
- Real-Time Insights: BetterUp leverages AI to provide real-time insights and continuous support to help users track progress and achieve their goals.
Conclusion
Preply is a strong choice for those focused on language learning, especially with its structured resources and vocabulary tools. However, if you’re looking for a broader range of subjects or more general personal development, platforms like TakeLessons, Skooli, or AI life coaching apps such as Rocky.AI, TextMei, or BetterUp might be more suitable. Each platform has its unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose one that aligns best with your specific needs and goals. Preply - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Preply work?
Preply is an online tutoring platform that connects students with tutors from around the globe. Here’s how it works:1. Specify Your Needs
You tell Preply what you’re looking for in a tutor.2. Matching Tutors
Preply matches you with suitable tutors based on your needs.3. Trial Lesson
You can connect with your tutor in a 25 or 50-minute trial lesson. If you’re not satisfied, you can try another tutor for free.4. Start Learning
After the trial, you choose the number of lessons you want to take each week and start your learning process. You can change tutors, pause, or cancel lessons anytime.What subjects are offered on Preply?
Preply offers over 120 subjects, with a strong focus on language learning, including Spanish, French, German, and many others. However, it also covers a wide range of other subjects.How much does tutoring on Preply cost?
The cost of tutoring on Preply varies. Tutors set their own prices, which range from $10 to $40 per hour. Lessons for subjects with fewer tutors available can cost between $15 and $40 per hour, while more popular subjects like Spanish or French can start from $10 per hour.What is the trial lesson policy on Preply?
Preply offers a trial lesson with each new tutor. This trial lesson is free for the student, but the tutor does not receive payment for it. If you’re not satisfied with the tutor after the trial lesson, you can try another tutor for free. The trial lesson is an opportunity for both the student and the tutor to assess whether they are a good match.How does the subscription model work on Preply?
Preply offers a subscription model that allows students to choose how many lessons they want to take with a tutor each week. Students can select subscription plans ranging from 1 hour to 5 hours per week. The subscription renews every 28 days, and Preply charges the student’s saved card for the next 28 days of lessons.Can I cancel or reschedule lessons on Preply?
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule lessons on Preply. You can cancel any lesson for free up to 12 hours before the scheduled time. After this time, only full-cost cancellation is available, although you can discuss rescheduling or cancellation with your tutor.How does Preply’s commission model work for tutors?
Preply charges a commission on the lessons taught by tutors. For new tutors, the commission is 33% of the hourly rate, but it decreases as the tutor completes more hours. For example, after 20 hours of teaching, the commission rate drops to 28%, and it continues to decrease as the tutor gains more experience. The commission for trial lessons is 100%, but this allows Preply to offer students a free replacement if they are not satisfied.What tools and resources does Preply offer for learning?
Preply provides several tools and resources to enhance learning. These include an all-in-one video platform available on both web and app, AI-powered conversation coaches, fun exercises to practice words, and the ability to create custom flashcards. Additionally, Preply offers a variety of learning materials available anytime in your profile.How does Preply ensure the quality of its tutors?
Preply chooses its tutors based on their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the platform. Every tutor must undergo an application process to qualify to teach on Preply. Students can review tutor profiles, watch introduction videos, and check student reviews to ensure they find a tutor that matches their learning style and goals.Can I use Preply for corporate training?
Yes, Preply offers corporate training designed for teams and businesses. This includes personalized language learning with online tutors. You can book a demo to learn more about how Preply can meet your corporate training needs.How does Preply support its tutors?
Preply supports its tutors through various means. It offers free training webinars to help tutors grow professionally, multilingual customer support, and a secure and easy-to-use video tool for lessons. Preply also invests in platform optimization and technical improvements to create a better tutoring environment.